Family discussions encourage open communication. These conversations help children and teens feel heard and understood, which strengthens trust and emotional security. Family discussions are also a chance to pass on values, address problems early, and guide younger members in making wise decisions.

When you combine family discussions with spiritual devotions it strengthens family bonds. Discussions help families understand one another, while devotions help families grow together in character and values. These practices create a safe space where love, respect, and faith are nurtured, shaping individuals who are emotionally strong, morally grounded, and spiritually aware.

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A Surrendered Yes

5-Day Family Devotional | August 24-28, 2026

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Day 1 — A Bigger View of God

Read Isaiah 6:1–5

Everything changed for Isaiah the moment he saw God for who He truly is.

Before Isaiah ever said, "Here am I. Send me," he first stood in awe of the holiness of God. Surrounded by God's glory, Isaiah didn't compare himself to other people. He compared himself to a holy God.

Our culture has made it easy to become casual about God. We can know church songs, attend services, and even serve faithfully while slowly losing our sense of wonder. But when we truly see God's greatness, it changes the way we see everything else—including ourselves.

The goal of the Christian life isn't simply to do more for God. It's to know Him more deeply.

A greater vision of God's holiness always leads to greater humility, greater worship, and greater surrender.

The invitation today isn't to try harder.

It's simply to look at Him again.

Next Step

Spend five quiet minutes today simply worshiping God. Thank Him for who He is before asking Him for anything.

Family Discussion

1.    What stands out to you about Isaiah's encounter with God?

2.    Why do you think seeing God's holiness changed Isaiah's perspective?

3.    How can our family keep a sense of wonder about God instead of becoming spiritually casual?

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Day 2 — Grace Comes Before the Assignment

Read Isaiah 6:6–7

Isaiah's story reminds us of something we all need to remember.

God didn't send Isaiah while he was carrying guilt.

He cleansed him first.

A burning coal touched Isaiah's lips, and his sin was taken away. Only after grace came did God begin talking about His mission.

That's our story too.

Jesus didn't wait for us to become worthy. Through the cross, He made us clean. We don't serve God hoping to earn His love—we serve because we've already received it. Sometimes we hesitate because we don't feel qualified enough, spiritual enough, or prepared enough.

God isn't looking for perfect people.

He's looking for forgiven people who trust Him.

Next Step

Thank Jesus specifically for His grace today. Instead of focusing on your failures, celebrate what He has already done for you.

Ask Ezra

Open Ask Ezra and read Ephesians 2:8–10. Ask: "What does this passage teach about the relationship between God's grace and our good works?"

Family Discussion

1.    Why is it important that God cleansed Isaiah before sending him?

2.    Have you ever felt like you weren't "good enough" for God to use?

3.    How does God's grace give us confidence to serve Him?

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Day 3 — My Answer Is Already Yes

Read Isaiah 6:8

When God asked, "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah didn't ask for details.

He didn't ask where.

He didn't ask how long.

He didn't ask what it would cost.

He simply answered, "Here am I. Send me."

That wasn't just a statement of availability.

It was a statement of surrender.

Many of us want God to explain every step before we'll obey. But faith rarely works that

way. God often asks for our yes before He reveals the assignment.

The greatest question isn't, "Where is God sending me?"

It's, "Does God have my wholehearted yes?"

When our lives belong completely to Him, He can lead us wherever He chooses.

Next Step

Pray a simple prayer today: "Lord, my answer is yes. Lead me wherever You want."

Family Discussion

1.    Why do you think Isaiah responded so quickly?

2.    What makes surrender difficult sometimes?

3.    What area of your life is hardest to completely trust God with?

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Day 4 — Surrender Is Everyday Obedience

Read Romans 12:1–2

Most people hear the words "Send me" and immediately think about another country.

But surrender starts much closer than that.

It looks like forgiving someone who hurt you.

Serving where you're needed.

Sharing your faith with a coworker.

Opening your home.

Giving generously.

Discipling one person.

Loving your neighbor.

God isn't just asking for one hour on Sunday.

He's asking for ownership of every part of our lives.

The question isn't whether God will ask something significant.

The question is whether our answer has already been settled.

Every ordinary act of obedience becomes extraordinary when it's done with a surrendered heart.

Next Step

Ask God to show you one practical way you can say "yes" today—and do it before the day ends.

Ask Ezra

Read Romans 12:1–2 in Ask Ezra. Ask: "What does it practically mean to offer my life as a living sacrifice?"

Family Discussion

1.    What are some everyday ways we can live surrendered to God?

2.    Why do small acts of obedience matter?

3.    What is one "yes" our family can say to God this week?

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Day 5 — Settle the Answer Before the Assignment

Isaiah 6:8; Luke 9:23

Isaiah had no idea what God was about to ask of him.

In fact, God gave him one of the hardest assignments in Scripture. His ministry wouldn't be easy or popular.

Yet Isaiah had already settled the answer.

His yes wasn't based on comfort.

It wasn't based on success.

It wasn't based on understanding.

It was based on trust.

That's what surrender looks like.

God may never ask you to move across the world. He may simply ask you to love your

neighbor, invest in a child, disciple a friend, or faithfully serve where He's planted you.

Whatever the assignment becomes, the invitation is the same:

"Lord, my life belongs to You."

Before you know what's next, settle your answer today.

Next Step

Write this prayer somewhere you'll see it this week:

"Lord, wherever You lead, whatever it costs, my answer is yes."

Family Discussion

1.    Why is it important to trust God before knowing all the details?

2.    What has God been teaching our family through the Sent series?

3. Where do you sense God inviting you to say "yes" in this season?

God’s Rescue Mission – Part 2

5-Day Family Devotional | August 17-21, 2026

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Day 1 – Someone Told You

Romans 10:14–15

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

Every rescue story begins with someone willing to go.

Imagine a rescue team with helicopters, ropes, equipment, and trained rescuers—but nobody ever leaves the station. The rescue isn't complete until someone goes after the person who is lost.

That's the picture Paul paints in Romans 10. Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. The rescue is finished.

Now someone has to tell the story.

If you're following Jesus today, it's because someone carried the Gospel to you. Maybe it was a parent, grandparent, pastor, friend, coach, or coworker. Someone loved you enough to tell you about Jesus.

Now God invites you into that same mission.

You don't have to have all the answers. You simply have to be willing to go where God sends you and share the hope you've found in Christ.

Someone was faithful to tell you.

Now it's your turn to tell someone else.

Simple Next Step

Thank God for the person who introduced you to Jesus. Then ask Him to place one person on your heart who needs to hear the Gospel this week.

Family Discussion

• Who first helped you learn about Jesus?
• Why do you think God chooses people—not angels—to share the Gospel?
• Who is one person your family can begin praying for together?
• How can your family be part of God's rescue mission this week?

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Day 2 – Your Story Matters

Read John 20:16–18

The very first person Jesus chose to announce His resurrection wasn't one of the twelve disciples.

It was Mary Magdalene.

She wasn't a preacher.

She wasn't a theologian.

She didn't have a platform.

She simply had a story.

"I have seen the Lord."

That's all she needed.

Sometimes we think we need more Bible knowledge before God can use us. While we should always keep growing, God isn't waiting for you to know everything before He works through you.

People can argue with opinions.

They can debate theology.

But they can't deny what Jesus has done in your life.

Your story is powerful because it's personal.

Your story points people to the Savior who changed it.

Simple Next Step

Write down your testimony in two or three sentences. Practice sharing how Jesus has changed your life.

Family Discussion

• What is one way Jesus has changed your life?
• Why do you think personal stories connect with people?
• How can we naturally share what Jesus has done without sounding forced?
• Who needs to hear your story?

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Day 3 – God Still Uses Imperfect People

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9

One of the enemy's favorite lies is this:

"God could never use someone like you."

Mary had a past.

The Samaritan woman had a past.

Paul had a past.

Moses had excuses.

Gideon had doubts.

Yet God used every one of them.

Your failures don't surprise God. Your weaknesses don't intimidate Him.

In fact, the places where you've experienced God's greatest grace often become the places where your testimony has the greatest impact.

Don't let yesterday keep you from obeying God today.

He isn't looking for perfect people.

He's looking for available people.

Simple Next Step

Ask God to remove one fear or excuse that's keeping you from sharing your faith with others.

Family Discussion

• Why do people often feel unqualified to tell others about Jesus?
• Which Bible character encourages you the most?
• How has God shown you grace in your own life?
• How can God use our weaknesses for His glory?

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Day 4 – Your Testimony Has Power

Read Revelation 12:11

The enemy wants to silence your testimony.

He whispers:

"You're not good enough."

"Look at your past."

"Nobody wants to hear your story."

But Scripture says something completely different.

"They triumphed...by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

The blood of Jesus is what saves us.

Our testimony is the evidence that Jesus still saves, restores, forgives, and changes lives today.

Someone around you may never attend church this weekend.

But they will interact with you.

Your story may be the very thing God uses to give someone hope.

If you're unsure how to begin a Gospel conversation or want to better understand what the Bible says about sharing your faith, spend a few minutes asking Ask Ezra. Let God's Word strengthen your confidence as you prepare to share His hope with others.

Simple Next Step

Share one part of your testimony with someone you trust this week—or use Ask Ezra to help you prepare for that conversation.

Family Discussion

• Why is your testimony powerful?
• What lies does the enemy use to keep Christians quiet?
• How does your story point people to Jesus instead of yourself?
• How can our family encourage one another to boldly share our faith?

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Day 5 – You Were Sent

Read Matthew 28:19–20

The Gospel has always moved from one person to another.

Jesus changed someone's life.

They told someone else.

Then that person told someone else.

Eventually...Someone told you.

Now you get to continue the story.

You don't have to stand behind a pulpit.

You don't need a microphone.

You simply need a willing heart.

The people around you don't need a perfect Christian.

They need someone willing to point them to a perfect Savior.

Before this week ends, ask God to open one door for a spiritual conversation. If you need help thinking through what to say or want to study a passage about sharing your faith, use Ask Ezra to dig deeper into God's Word and let it prepare your heart.

God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason.

You were born to carry the message.

Simple Next Step

Pray for one opportunity this week to talk about Jesus—and be ready when God opens the door.

Family Discussion

• Why do you think Jesus sends ordinary people instead of only pastors or missionaries?
• Who has God placed in our lives that needs hope?
• What is one practical way our family can live "sent" this week?
• How can we pray for boldness and compassion together?